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As the temperatures rise around the country this time of year, you may find that your pond is looking more green than usual. This is because warm temperatures, along with organic matter and excess nutrients in the water can create the perfect environment for very rapid algae growth.

To keep a clear pond, you need to be proactive taking the right steps to keep algae away. Keeping your pond clear of algae is similar to weeding your garden; you need to keep up with it, or it will get out of control. Starting early can really make a difference in your success.

Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.

1. Using an algaecide regularly

Using an algaecide, like our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it has grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen® is sprayed over the algae or can be applied with the TORMADA® remote controlled application boat. Mizzen® can help clear up your pond in as little as 7-14 days, with full results seen in a month. Algae can re-grow rapidly, even within a few days, so make sure you have enough Mizzen® on hand for a second treatment or spot treating. A half gallon of Mizzen will cover 20,000 square feet. Mizzen is a great solution for long-term algae control.

2. Use a nutrient reducer as part of your treatment plan

Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear® and PhosControl® can help reduce the organic matter and pond muck in your pond. SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that eat away at the nutrients in your pond, and it can help improve your pond’s water clarity. PhosControl® contains aluminum sulfate that binds with phosphorus. Pond phosphorus control products can greatly increase the clarity of your water. Monthly treatments with these products is recommended.

3. Consider aeration to help keep water clear

Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases trapped in the water that are aiding in algae growth. Lake Restoration offers Vitaflume® floating and aerating fountains in 3 different sizes and can move 7,000-10,000 gallons of water per hour. Fountains keep water moving so that algae mats cannot form like they would in more stagnant waters. Aerating fountains help your pond “breathe,” exchange gasses that help weed growth, and they also look great as a centerpiece. Vitaflume® offers optional LED lighting so you can customize the look of your centerpiece and enjoy it in the dark.

4. If you also have weeds, we recommend using the following pond products for an overall healthy pond:

We have aquatic weed and algae control kits for under $100 and are offering a new size of our RestoreAcces® "G" kit. These complete kits are a valuable tool in improving access to the water for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and water skiing.

Our RestoreAccess® dock and swim area control kits are available for $68.00. The RestoreAccess® kit effectively controls submerged lake weeds like milfoil and hydrilla while killing the algae. The kit includes Dibrox™ Herbicide, Mizzen® Algaecide and MuckMaid®. The all-in-one submerged weed control kit products are quickly absorbed by the plants, allowing for effective management and control in small areas of large water bodies. “Our customers want their lakefront to look good and that is why we have offered an aquatic weed control option for under $100,” says Mary Jo Furman, Retail Sales Supervisor for Lake Restoration, “We want to help our customers improve their recreational area so they can have fun this summer playing in the water or relax when they are sitting on their dock having a cup of coffee.”

In addition, we added a new size to our RestoreAccess® “G” kits. This is a granular version of the RestoreAccess® and controls a wide range of aquatic weeds and algae. It also includes MuckMaid® to improve the water clarity and devour the muck so you can enjoy your lakefront. “With Hydrothol Granular now being packed in 20 pound bags, we are happy to offer a new weed control kit size to our product lineup giving our customers another option to control their aquatic weeds.” The new size treats 2,000 – 4,000 sq. ft. and is available for $155. Two additional sizes are offered for those that have a smaller or larger lake front. Treat 1,000 – 2,000 sq. ft. area for $87.00, and 4,000 – 8,000 sq. ft. area for $279.00.

Blue –green algae is blooming in ponds and lakes across the country. Ponds and beaches are closing throughout the country due to toxic algae.

The algae season is in full bloom and some of it can even be deadly. With the summer temperatures rising, the algae blooms are growing.

Algae is commonly referred to as Seaweed, Pond Scum, or Pond Moss and can be found in almost any habitat on earth as long as moisture is there at some time, even if that time is very short. Depending on the algae, water can often become unsuitable for fish, swimming, and other animals. There are many groups of algae, but it is mostly divided into two different physical categories: Filamentous Algae and Planktonic Algae.

Filamentous algae may seem like long stringy hairs, cotton-like in appearance. Filamentous algae can form thick, greenish looking mats on the water’s surface. Planktonic algae can appear as a paint-like scum on top of the water’s surface. The water column turns green, blue-green, or variations throughout and is often described as “pea soup.”

“With all of the rain that we have been receiving here in MN, the nutrient levels in ponds and lakes are climbing due to the run off of chemicals and fertilizers. We are seeing a lot of algal blooms this summer,” says Chad Hadler, Service Operations Manager at Lake Restoration. “If you are going to be in the water, be on the look-out for blue-green algal blooms.”

Cyanobacteria, also known as Blue-Green Algae, which contain harmful bacteria, can be dangerous to pets and humans. The scum can often smell like sewage or manure. Not all blue-green algae is toxic. We recommend using Mizzen® algaecide to combat algae blooms to keep scum levels under control and prevent toxic algae from forming. If you or your pets have come in contact with water that has an algae bloom, we recommend thoroughly washing with clean water and then contacting your health care provider if you begin to experience any symptoms.

Mizzen® is a chelated copper based algaecide and may be used in many types of water bodies, including ponds, lakes or water features. It is manufactured by Lake Restoration and is available in four convenient sizes. The treatment of 2,500 square feet of surface area costs $14.75, 5,000 square feet $18.95, 10,000 square feet $27.00 and approximately half an acre $31.95. For ongoing algae management or for larger bodies of water, Mizzen® is available at a special gallon rate.